Throughout the spin and back-and-forth between Seattle and Sacramento over the fate of the Kings, every rational Sacramento backer said Seattle deserved a team — not this team, not their team, but a team.

The problem for Seattle is there just are not other options for them right now. They can keep pushing to get all the approvals lined up for an arena, but getting a team will not be easy.

Look at the NBA smallest markets, ones you could well argue are inferior to what Seattle offers. New Orleans just got a new owner in Tom Benson that is fully committed to keeping the team in place. Memphis? Just got a new owner and already had a rock solid lease that runs for another eight years. Charlotte? Whatever you think of Michael Jordan as an owner he’s not getting out of that business soon. Oklahoma City and San Antonio certainly aren’t going anywhere soon, same with Utah.

Milwaukee? That’s the top rumor but I don’t see that one either. Herb Kohl reportedly has considered selling the team, but they have a locked down lease for four more seasons after this one. Yes, there a stadium issue the league is pressuring the city on, but we’re four years away from any kind of deadline. Also remember, that’s Senator Kohl — he’s not seated anymore but guys who were elected to statewide office tend not to sell teams to guys looking to pull a team out of a state. It’s not impossible, but it’s not likely at all.

Seattle doesn’t have other good NBA options right now other than being patient. And as the fan of any team will tell you, being patient sucks.